You’ve probably heard some trade rumors surrounding Ottawa’s Jason Spezza. Much of the talk has just been speculation, but now there comes some hard evidence that we may see Spezza on a new team in 2014-15.
Spezza’s exit interview at the end of the year fueled trade talk and TSN’s Bob McKenzie confirms that we should expect Spezza to be in play on the NHL trade market.
Spezza trade rumors stem in part from Spezza exit interview when he reportedly told OTT ownership/management he may look favorably on move.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 12, 2014
In any case, whatever the motivation, Spezza is very much in play on the NHL trade market.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 12, 2014
Even without his comments, a Spezza trade makes a lot of sense. He’s in the final year of his current seven-year, $49 million contract. He’s set to turn 31 in June and another long-term deal with the Senators seems pretty unlikely. He carries an average salary cap hit of $7 million, but he’s owed just $4 million in 2014-15. Based on that, he’s definitely an affordable option for most teams.
The Senators should be able to get a decent return on an asset they don’t seem too interested in retaining. The club is clearly trying to move in a new direction and signing a player who has been a member of many disappointing seasons doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Senators reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2006-07, losing to the Anaheim Ducks, but since they’ve struggled to make it out of the first round.
Spezza has only played for the Ottawa Senators. He came up in the 2002-03 season and has skated in 686 regular season games for the Sens. It may be time for some new scenery and it might be time for the team to bring in some new faces.
